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His excellency Ambassador Pereric Högberg of the Sweden embassy in Japan, paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Mr. Marcus Samo, Secretary of FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA). The meeting centered on medical training and schools, access to medicines (including generics) and pharmaceutical providers, greening of healthcare facilities, food and nutrition, public health awareness, and health promotion. Additionally, discussions covered the pandemic experience in FSM where the good Ambassador congratulated the FSM for its success, risk communications, and population dynamics. The meeting concluded with mutual interest in further discussions on these topics in the future, reflecting the ongoing collaboration between Sweden and FSM in advancing healthcare and addressing critical health issues.

During a courtesy visit on February 21, 2024, MedPharm and Mercatus Capital representatives presented a proposal to the Honorable Mr. Marcus Samo, Secretary of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA), with the aim of enhancing healthcare services in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The proposal introduces cutting-edge medical technologies, including the PICA Whole Body MRI system and innovative solutions such as remote support services and cloud-based teleradiology platform with AI assistance. The meeting concluded with both parties committed to address FSM’s healthcare needs.

Ambassador-designate of the Federative Republic of Brazil, His Excellency Gilberto Fonseca Guimaraes de Moura and First Secretary Mr. Gerson Cruz Gimenes of the Embassy of Brazil in Manila, Philippines paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, Mr. Marcus Samo. His Excellency shared with the Honorable Secretary and staff of a recent cooperation proposal from the Government of Brazil to the Federated States of Micronesia along with the proposal components that are relevant to health and social affairs noting the similarities in environmental and health settings of the two nations. The discussion around the cooperation proposal looks to expand the current scope under health and social affairs into accessing Brazil’s medical training programs, access to generic medicine, vaccine donation, sports development, and working support systems that can be replicated in the FSM. The courtesy call ended on a promising note of further cooperation and alignment with the Government of Brazil health services through the embassy to further the discussion on health collaboration. 

Secretary Marcus Samo, Assistant Secretary Moses Pretrick and Chuuk State health leadership Chuuk Health Services Director Dr. Bosco Buliche, Chuuk Health Chief of Staff Dr. Yoster Yichiro, and Chuck Health OBGYN Dr. Rita Akapito held a virtual meeting with the Republic of Philippines Department of Health representatives. The meeting was a start of strengthening health services coordination and collaboration amongst the two countries where FSM will receive a medical mission team in Chuuk, FSM to support and augment current health capabilities of the State. FSM DHSA is working closely with Chuuk State Health Services to coordinate, support and ensure that this great opportunity is fully utilized. The department hopes that this is just the start of greater collaboration opportunities to come and looks forward to receiving the medical team.

Ambassador Shri Shambhu S. Kumaran, representing the India Embassy in India, paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Mr. Marcus Samo, Secretary of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA). The meeting centered around several key topics aimed at enhancing healthcare services in FSM. Discussions included pharmaceutical providers, diagnostics, and dialysis services, as well as the establishment of a sea ambulance system and the referral of patients to India for specialized care.

The meeting concluded on a positive note with both parties expressing optimism about the potential collaboration in these areas. There is a shared hope for further discussions and exploration of these topics in the future, indicating a promising avenue for advancing healthcare cooperation between India and FSM.

The Hon. Marcus H. Samo handed the key to the Marine Ambulance to the Honorable Alexander R. Narruhn of Chuuk State

February 15, 2024 – After a few days of technical training to staff of Chuuk State Department of Health Services on the operation and maintenance of the marine ambulance, the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, on behalf of the FSM National Government, handed over the key to a medical marine ambulance to the Honorable Alexander R. Narruhn, Governor of Chuuk State on behalf of HE President Wesley W. Simina.

In handing over the key, Secretary Marcus Samo congratulated Governor Narruhn for his vision to extend medical services to the people residing far from Weno where the hospital and public health clinics are concentrated.  The marine ambulance is a means to provide medical care to the communities within the lagoon.  With its design and capacity, the marine ambulance can transport emergency medical teams in response to urgent need.  Governor Narruhn expressed appreciation to the FSM National Government for its support for Chuuk’s effort in emergency and medical response.  Governor Narruhun also indicated he wished there will be more of this type of marine ambulance or even medical ships that can reach the islands outside the lagoon of Chuuk State.

The FSM National Government acknowledged the World Bank for the funding support and the UNOPS for the procurement assistance of the marine ambulance.

Potential Health Impact from the El Nino

Some parts of the Nation are experiencing a drought and abnormally dry condition. This is expected to expand to all over Micronesia and extend towards the month of April of this year and potentially towards the early part of this summer. The impacts of the drought conditions will bring harmful health impacts among other issues to our communities especially in the outer islands and among the most vulnerable populations including people with compromised health conditions, the elderly and children with special health care needs. The human health implications of a drought generally include the following:

• Compromised quantity and quality of drinking water;
• Diminished living conditions related to sanitation and hygiene;
• Compromised food and nutrition;
• Infectious diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and other water and vector borne diseases.

The public is advised to be vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect you and your loved ones.

Thank you.

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